Dental Inlays and Onlays in Houston, TX
If you’ve never heard of dental inlays or onlays before, you’re not alone. Many people haven’t heard about this important part of restorative dentistry and how it can be used similar to a dental filling to restore the functionality and strength of a tooth.
As a leading restorative and general dentist, our dental care team has performed countless inlays and onlays in Houston, TX for patients of all ages, and we’d love to help you with your smile makeover too!
Reasons for the Procedure
When a tooth becomes damaged or develops a cavity, a filling is normally used to treat it. More extensive damage usually calls for a crown. However, sometimes, the damage falls in between these two cases, where a filling is not sufficient, but placing a crown would require more tooth to be removed than necessary. For these cases, dental inlays and onlays on Highway 6 and dental inlays and onlays in East Little York are the most appropriate option.
A Similar Restoration Method
Inlays and onlays are the same type of restoration as a dental filling – they both cover part of the tooth. Inlays are placed between the cusp tips of the tooth (at the center of the tooth) while onlays cover the cusp or the whole biting surface of the tooth.
They provide several benefits such as preserving more of the natural tooth than a dental crown procedure, they strengthen the structure of the tooth, they are durable and long-lasting, and they are very natural in their appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a patient choose an inlay instead of a traditional filling?
Fillings work well for small cavities. An inlay provides the added strength needed when a cavity is deep for a standard filling, but not severe enough to warrant a full crown.
Why is an onlay considered more conservative than a dental crown?
Placing a crown requires shaping the entire tooth. An onlay is much more selective, as it only covers the damaged surface area.
Do these porcelain restorations last for a long time?
These restorations typically last ten to fifteen years. We bond the porcelain directly to your enamel, creating a highly stable surface that easily resists daily chewing wear.
Will people be able to tell that I have a restoration in my mouth?
No, we use porcelain shades that perfectly match your surrounding teeth.
Is the procedure uncomfortable while it is happening?
We always use local numbing so you stay comfortable throughout the visit. You might feel a little tenderness in your gums for a day or two after the anesthesia wears off, but it usually fades very quickly.
Does a restored tooth need a special cleaning routine?
There are no complex steps required. Just brush and floss normally, making sure to clean carefully around the edges of the restoration.